Vintage Teles: Worth The Price of Entry?

[theGecko71]

Having lived on and off in NYC for the past few decades, I’ve often gone to guitar shops that have vintage fenders and Gibsons to feel and drool over them. I came close to buying a vintage tele deluxe, but couldn’t quite pull the very expensive trigger.

Are they cool? Yes. Are they worth the price as an electric guitar? No imho.

They may be worth it from a collector’s pov, but not as a player, I don’t think.

I do own a few guitars that are “old,” two from the 60s and two from the early 80s, and one is a very well made American Fender from 82. It’s a good guitar bc it was crafted well not because it’s getting up there in years.

 

[ctmullins]

Worth it as a musical instrument? Nope. You already have plenty of musical instruments.

Worth it as a financial investment? Still nope. Unless you’re a gambler.

 

[A 5F10 and a Tele]

That's what this was. That's just what 52s go for.
View attachment 1407417

You can thank Walt Grace for the pricing (and I can thank them for the experience).

I really want to go to Walter Grace. The combination of cars, guitars, and watches is a dream. I live relatively close to Nashville so getting to good guitar stores is easy for me, but we don’t have anything here like Walter Grace.

 

[THX1139]

Provenance vs. age. I'll take an instrument with an interesting history over an old one without every time if it plays well.

 

[Happy Enchilada]

Not a fan of vintage. Usually means in need of serious expensive repairs. And always means overpriced. I prefer new or recent guitars of reputable make because they have no major issues for the most part and function flawlessly with minor adjustments. Not to mention the feeling that I'm free to make mods without ruining resale.

This is more of a thing with acoustics. No worries about needing a neck reset, frets, cracks, or finish issues. Need to beware of previous owner's humidification regimen (or lack therof),

 

[Boreas]

As with everything - it depends. It depends on your priorities.

With acoustics, there is a noticeable improvement in tone with age - which often can't be obtained with technology - although pre-aging woods (torrefication) gets close.

With slab-body Fenders, not so much. There are subtle changes as pickups age, but effects and amp settings easily mask or enhance these shifts. Of course, the pickups can FAIL with age as well as the lacquer on the wire begins to fail - so there's that.

But in both cases, there are the intangible feelings you have when playing an instrument that has some sort of aesthetic appeal to you. This is where the pricing/value goes off the rails into the sky. If your mind and id need these often esoteric qualities, get out the wallet. Obviously, some people become collectors and cork-sniffers, but this tends to stray from the topic of this thread.

Old neck profiles can be prized, but also easily copied with CNC technology. So that isn't necessarily a good reason to overspend on a rare, vintage instrument.

So to answer the question - IMO, if you are just chasing tone with Fender slabs - put your money into your effects chain, not old instruments.

 

[d barham]

I love my vintage instruments and amps. I love the look, the feel, the history, the nostalgia they offer.

I think people sometimes wrongly assume that vintage instruments are bought because they’re somehow superior to new. They’re not. They’re just older.

I’m not a great player and I don’t hold to the premise that vintage equipment will magically make me better, I know it won’t.

All my vintage pieces were bought with cash, at or under market value. Although none were bought to speculate on, I could cash out anytime and have more money than I started with.

I have vintage instruments because I like owning vintage instruments. Does that mean they’d be worth the asking price to you? Only you an answer that.

 

[JBurton]

I like lookin at ‘em but no way are they worth it for me. Give me the newer models and Partscasters. They feel nice, look nice and play nice.
However, I have no problem that collectors value and treasure the vintage instruments.

 

[theGecko71]

I should add that if I could afford it, I would get "vintage" almost anything because I like old, well-made, nostalgic-imbued stuff. But I don't have illusions about a vintage Fender being really "better" than a newer one.

 

[trandy9850]

Not at all, unless you are a (wealthy) speculator, or investor, IMO.
Even then, the market and prices rise and fall with great regulatory.

There’s nothing special about the so called vintage Teles, other than they are the inspirational instruments for many of us.
Indeed, modern or Custom Shop instruments are better, and more consistently built.
I have four nice CS (Gibsons), they are all vastly superior to the many “vintage” guitars I owned in my youth.
Like you (the OP), I gig with partscasters, because they really fit the job description.

Anyways, unless you are speculating, and even if you are, they’re rarer than ever, more expensive than ever, and still a risky investment, IMO.

Exactly….the best guitars Fender has ever built are being made right now.

Now if you’re going for a certain look….that’s what the Custom Shop is for….or there are independant luthiers who do that sort of work.

Think about it this way: Which is the better car? A1963 Chevy? Or a 2025 Chevy?

Not which car is “cooler”….which is built better?

 

[41144]

Problem is, say I bought a 57 Les Paul ... cos that's one of the 'holy grail' guitars
Could I make it sound like Peter Green/ Greeny.
Mmmm, probably not!

I mean, if it's owning something because it's original but old ... fine, go for it .... if it's tone chasing .... nah

 

[Whitebeard]

Apologies up front if this has been addressed before, I did a cursory search and did not come up with a fruitful answer.

I've only owned a "vintage" acoustic, a 1980 Guild D-40 acoustic - which I sold to fund a Martin 000-16GT because I didn't want to deal with the quirks of frequent humidity changes here in WNY.

Now I find myself interested in vintage Telecasters. I own four newer teles, two are actual Fenders (MiA & MiM) and two are partscasters. My number one and gigging tele is one of the partscasters.
I also have a couple Gibsons and a PRS, so I'm no guitar monogamist although I'd like to be. Maybe I'm bull****ing myself but I have this thought that maybe if I get the "right" guitar I can downsize most of my collection.
I'm not near any of the meccas of vintage guitars so I don't have the good fortune to test a bunch in person, and perhaps it would behoove me to make a trip to a place like Gruhn's to try some out in person but that in itself would be expensive.

I've seen player grade vintage teles that, were I to pare down the excessive guitars and amps I have, could be within the realm of affordable to me. I am quite happy with the guitars I have now, so this might just be another silly GAS itch that doesn't really need scratched. I've certainly gotten sick of the pedal rabbit hole, and I don't know that an older vs newer slab of wood will be a profound difference.

My primary question is are they worth the price of entry?

I know many vintage guitar owners bought them when the market wasn't like it is today or inherited them.
Would those of you who are in those categories pay the prices the market commands lately?

Are there any unforeseen quirks to maintaining a vintage electric guitar vs a newer one?

Another common theme I see is that, because the younger generations are generally less interested in rock and it's history, as the older generation passes the prices of vintage instruments may well drop off as the demand diminishes. While historic and lower in number, there are still many more vintage guitars than I suspect will be collectors to buy up these instruments for "investments" and maintain the market prices.
Anyone out there have any thoughts or input on whether this view is accurate?

I am of the opinion that the electric guitars being made today are the best that have ever been made. I say that because today's CNC made guitar parts are consistent to the specifications detailed in the computer program that is driving the machine. Vintage guitars were built using parts that were not consistent due to being hand made by a human so though one "vintage guitar" may be outstanding another made on the same date at the same factory may be mediocre. Same with hand wound pickups which is why there are a few pickup winders whose names have become well known. Machine wound pickups are more consistent. All that said, if you are considering buying a "vintage guitar" I'd advise playing as many as possible until you find that one special guitar that feels best in your hands and sounds best to your ears before making a decision. Good luck.

 

[Kodachrome]

Problem is, say I bought a 57 Les Paul ... cos that's one of the 'holy grail' guitars
Could I make it sound like Peter Green/ Greeny.
Mmmm, probably not!

I mean, if it's owning something because it's original but old ... fine, go for it .... if it's tone chasing .... nah

I've said multiple times, this is not about tone and I've found chasing it a waste. Good things and good players make great tone. I have enough good things and strive to be a good player.

That said, I think I do like the idea of owning something for the history like you said.

Exactly….the best guitars Fender has ever built are being made right now.

I don't disagree this is a likely fact, but I do think there is something to the craftsmanship of the past - new technology and practices are a good thing, and maybe my idea here is BS but I think there's a/an element(s) of that art which doesn't exist but for Fender's CS. I don't think it's just a look, but agree independent makers are keeping these things alive and maybe that's what I should go for.

Now if you’re going for a certain look….that’s what the Custom Shop is for….or there are independant luthiers who do that sort of work.

Think about it this way: Which is the better car? A1963 Chevy? Or a 2025 Chevy?

Not which car is “cooler”….which is built better?

My question isn't necessarily about quality, more about are there things besides that or the perceived monetary "investment", that would make a vintage instrument worth ponying up for.

 

[Ignatius Reilly]

I have an opinion but I have no experience with vintage Fenders, so my opinion is going to be a weak one.

Vintage guitars appeal to me because the idea appeals to me. I like the history and I like older things with history. I play vintage spec modern guitars because that is my preference (and relatively affordable) but would like to one day own an old players grade Fender as well. In my opinion you cannot make yourself believe that a replica of an old guitar is actually an old guitar. For me it's psychological, but the psychological is very important and also what stands out between one guitar and another. The empirical reality is that most moderate to high end guitars made in the last 40 years are pro quality, especially after a visit to a proper tech. But you can't fool yourself into believing that something inspires if it doesn't. So if you are interested and inspired by vintage then scratch that itch because it'll be the only to answer your own question. If a CS is equally inspirational then by all means, save the vintage $ and buy CS. Ditto for any other make and model.

I don't think that cars and guitars are comparable because the design and materials on an old and new Fender are essentially the same. Fix the frets, get the electronics in working order, and get it set up properly, and there is no reason why a vintage guitar should not play as well as a modern equivalent imo. The design, materials, and technology of an old and new car is completely different and therefore not comparable.

Lastly, value. I disagree with the opinion that the monetary value of pre-CBS instruments will decrease in the coming generations. I argue that legacy brands like Fender, Gibson, and Martin spend a lot of money marketing and producing vintage inspired products and propagating vintage inspired messaging. Vintage is the most relevant aspect of their branding and they are investing in it's promotion and longevity. It is not a coincidence that there is a Classic Vibe at one price point; a Vintera at another; an American Vintage at another; Ultra Luxe Vintage; and ofcourse all of the vintage inspired Custom Shop models. In addition, every Am Pro 2 and Player 2 looks essentially vintage. They are popular because they are heavily marketed and that is influential. They know that the youngster playing the Classic Vibe will one day play a Vintera, Pro 2, American Vintage, and Custom Shop. And of course, the origin story and the model behind all the carefully crafted marketing is the original vintage model, and they will in my opinion continue to gain popularity and monetary value as a result. If Fender stopped making guitars and stopped marketing the vintage aesthetic then it might be a different story, but that certainly is not the reality.

 

[naveed211]

Apologies up front if this has been addressed before, I did a cursory search and did not come up with a fruitful answer.

I've only owned a "vintage" acoustic, a 1980 Guild D-40 acoustic - which I sold to fund a Martin 000-16GT because I didn't want to deal with the quirks of frequent humidity changes here in WNY.

Now I find myself interested in vintage Telecasters. I own four newer teles, two are actual Fenders (MiA & MiM) and two are partscasters. My number one and gigging tele is one of the partscasters.
I also have a couple Gibsons and a PRS, so I'm no guitar monogamist although I'd like to be. Maybe I'm bull****ing myself but I have this thought that maybe if I get the "right" guitar I can downsize most of my collection.
I'm not near any of the meccas of vintage guitars so I don't have the good fortune to test a bunch in person, and perhaps it would behoove me to make a trip to a place like Gruhn's to try some out in person but that in itself would be expensive.

I've seen player grade vintage teles that, were I to pare down the excessive guitars and amps I have, could be within the realm of affordable to me. I am quite happy with the guitars I have now, so this might just be another silly GAS itch that doesn't really need scratched. I've certainly gotten sick of the pedal rabbit hole, and I don't know that an older vs newer slab of wood will be a profound difference.

My primary question is are they worth the price of entry?

I know many vintage guitar owners bought them when the market wasn't like it is today or inherited them.
Would those of you who are in those categories pay the prices the market commands lately?

Are there any unforeseen quirks to maintaining a vintage electric guitar vs a newer one?

Another common theme I see is that, because the younger generations are generally less interested in rock and it's history, as the older generation passes the prices of vintage instruments may well drop off as the demand diminishes. While historic and lower in number, there are still many more vintage guitars than I suspect will be collectors to buy up these instruments for "investments" and maintain the market prices.
Anyone out there have any thoughts or input on whether this view is accurate?

That’s my view on it. I think the high end vintage market will bottom out, but it’ll probably take a couple decades still to do so. But I’m talking like the highest of the high end, I’d bet the random CBS Fenders and Norlin Gibsons etc going for stupid money will drop off even sooner than that.

That aside, it’s pretty rare that a vintage example is going to be justified as an obviously better instrument than a modern example worthy of being many times the price. Manufacturing is on average more consistent now, even at a much lower price point.

So, yeah, I’ve played some vintage that have knocked my socks off, and Ive played plenty that left me flat. There’s something to be said for a nicely worn in guitar. But these days it doesn’t have to be super old to get that vibe.

So, the answer as always is “it depends.” Buy what you enjoy. If in a couple decades you make back your money or a bit more, consider yourself lucky, especially that you got to enjoy a nice guitar for that long. Play the thing, don’t worry about it being an investment.

 

[Kodachrome]

Vintage guitars appeal to me because the idea appeals to me. I like the history and I like older things with history. I play vintage spec modern guitars because that is my preference (and relatively affordable) but would like to one day own an old players grade Fender as well. In my opinion you cannot make yourself believe that a replica of an old guitar is actually an old guitar. For me it's psychological, but the psychological is very important and also what stands out between one guitar and another. The empirical reality is that most moderate to high end guitars made in the last 40 years are pro quality, especially after a visit to a proper tech. But you can't fool yourself into believing that something inspires if it doesn't. So if you are interested and inspired by vintage then scratch that itch because it'll be the only to answer your own question. If a CS is equally inspirational then by all means, save the vintage $ and buy CS. Ditto for any other make and model.

I'm with you 100% here.

Lastly, value. I disagree with the opinion that the monetary value of pre-CBS instruments will decrease in the coming generations. I argue that legacy brands like Fender, Gibson, and Martin spend a lot of money marketing and producing vintage inspired products and propagating vintage inspired messaging. Vintage is the most relevant aspect of their branding and they are investing in it's promotion and longevity. It is not a coincidence that there is a Classic Vibe at one price point; a Vintera at another; an American Vintage at another; Ultra Luxe Vintage; and ofcourse all of the vintage inspired Custom Shop models. In addition, every Am Pro 2 and Player 2 looks essentially vintage. They are popular because they are heavily marketed and that is influential. They know that the youngster playing the Classic Vibe will one day play a Vintera, Pro 2, American Vintage, and Custom Shop. And of course, the origin story and the model behind all the carefully crafted marketing is the original vintage model, and they will in my opinion continue to gain popularity and monetary value as a result. If Fender stopped making guitars and stopped marketing the vintage aesthetic then it might be a different story, but that certainly is not the reality.

This is actually a very well-reasoned argument, I don't know if I've seen anyone make this case before. Good points!

 

[Kodachrome]

That’s my view on it. I think the high end vintage market will bottom out, but it’ll probably take a couple decades still to do so. But I’m talking like the highest of the high end, I’d bet the random CBS Fenders and Norlin Gibsons etc going for stupid money will drop off even sooner than that.

I'm definitely with you, I think it's a gamble to "invest" in one - there are a lot of posts on here but I will reiterate that I don't see a vintage guitar as an investment.
I do see the possibility that the Pre-CBS and 50s Gibsons are more likely to retain value longer.

That aside, it’s pretty rare that a vintage example is going to be justified as an obviously better instrument than a modern example worthy of being many times the price. Manufacturing is on average more consistent now, even at a much lower price point.

Again, I've said this but agree mostly that the new tech is good and gives more consistency. That said, I think there is an artistry to the craftsmanship that is probably only around is Fender CS and some individual or high-end luthier companies.

So, yeah, I’ve played some vintage that have knocked my socks off, and Ive played plenty that left me flat. There’s something to be said for a nicely worn in guitar. But these days it doesn’t have to be super old to get that vibe.

I'm sure I would have to do some real-world play testing to find one that's I'd want to own. My Partscaster are very vintage spec and they have the vibe, which is why I love em!

So, the answer as always is “it depends.” Buy what you enjoy. If in a couple decades you make back your money or a bit more, consider yourself lucky, especially that you got to enjoy a nice guitar for that long. Play the thing, don’t worry about it being an investment.

I think maybe I'm looking for that guitar that will make me happy to give up my others lol
Although there's no specific reason it has to be a vintage instrument.

 

[loudboy]

I was lucky enough to snag a player-grade '57, back in 1978 for a good price.

Every so often, I think about moving it, usually when prices spike. Then I make the mistake of playing it. (G) Sure, it's got some idiosyncrasies, but the vibe, and especially the sound, are untouchable, in any other Tele I've played/owned.

My main gig Tele is a close repro of it - swamp ash, soft-v maple neck, nitro, etc. but with a Lawrence and an Antiquity to fight crappy power noise at venues. It comes close, until you plug in the '57.

I've played a few early CS Relics that get close to the vibe, and even some MIM and American stock models. Imho, the key is vintage-style construction/hardware. I've yet to play any modern construction Fender, from MIM to CS that didn't feel plastic and devoid of vibe. Sure, they play in tune, and the parts are less twiddly but still...

I'm also using the old school definition of vintage - Pre-CBS. Late-60s/70s Fenders are insanely overpriced, and are the reason everyone sought out the old ones, back in the day.

Things to look out for are switched out parts and stuff like that. Vintage dealers are a small club, and you aren't in it. (G) They won't think twice about screwing a newbie to the wall and then laughing about it.

 

[24 track]

I have owned a few early 60's fenders , 2 jags and a tele they were hard for me to play upside down , the build quality of the teles was different some what more industrial than they are today , the sound of the early Teles went from chunky lows to Icepick highs with lots of balls played through my 65 super reverb BF. The Neck almost had a violin type radius not suitable for bends as they would choke out early( don't forget I played this upside down ) Just my observation.

A sizable question would be , " is this an investment ? or are you looking for MOJO and history? "
no one cares unless you can prove providence .

another consideration was being that old it would have the snot played out of it,

so what are you buying for all that money?
most likely a worn out guitar that may need some serious repair , frets, alignments , tired electronics, etc.
but being vintage you have 3 choices.
1) leave it under your bed in a case and let it Valuate as a piece of history
2) bring it up to standard and lose value by destroying its vintage
3) realize that period specific parts are fugazi and if you can find them expect to pay extra-ordinary prices for things like a broken switch a dated pot, the correct caps , new pick ups etc . all of which add cost, but you ill never get that back in the selling price

I got around this aspect with strats, I built 6 pick guards with all my mods I wanted , kept the originals PG in storage and i can restore the strats to original Factory ( all the original components and case candy) with a solder iron and 1/2 hour and a the twist of a few screws. but I can play it in any config I want.

this is just my experience, for what its worth.

 

[Kodachrome]

Then I make the mistake of playing it. (G) Sure, it's got some idiosyncrasies, but the vibe, and especially the sound, are untouchable, in any other Tele I've played/owned.

It comes close, until you plug in the '57.

I've yet to play any modern construction Fender, from MIM to CS that didn't feel plastic and devoid of vibe. Sure, they play in tune, and the parts are less twiddly but still...

This is the feedback I find very compelling.

Things to look out for are switched out parts and stuff like that. Vintage dealers are a small club, and you aren't in it. (G) They won't think twice about screwing a newbie to the wall and then laughing about it.

This is definitely a concern, and I don't know if there is any way around it unless I want to schmooze with someone for a long time. Still, there are a lot of snakes out there. Maybe I would have to do considerable research but I'd imagine there are still ways to be hoodwinked.
Good looking out!